Here we go again with the Google Nexus One, as you already know, it is schedule to go to Vodafone by Spring. British carrier Vodafone has confirmed the arrival within the next few weeks, of the New Android device to Britain, with France and Germany likely to follow.
According to a Vodafone spokesperson, the group plans to sell the Nexus One in France, Germany and other European countries this year. Vodafone UK have a FAQ for the Google Nexus One, we don't see any groundbreaking news, but it'll help in some extent those future superphone owners across the pond.
The same Vodafone spokesperson said:

I can confirm that Vodafone is the first operator to partner with Google to offer the Nexus One in Europe, starting soon in the UK, in a few short weeks. No detail on pricing and precise timing has yet been made, but that will come in a few weeks.
Our agreement with Google stretches beyond Europe -- all Vodafone's geographies -- and over time we will be working to provide offers in other Vodafone operating countries.

Apparently, Vodafone rival; O2 is interested on the Android 2.1 handset too, when asked about the Nexus One handset, a spokesperson said: "We have been following Google's announcement with interest". She also said that they will continue to review and refresh their products to meet the demands of their subscribers.

AT&T already announced their plans to bring a Motorola Android-based device to their customers, along with more offerings from Dell and HTC. It has been confirmed that the first Android Smartphone to arrive to the last of the major carriers without one, will be the Motorola Backflip.
The Motorola Backflip, as you might remember, has a distinctive hinge with a backward-facing QWERTY keyboard. This Motorola handset will be exclusive to the AT&T network, and apparently, this will be the only Android-based handset by Motorola on the carrier.
This smartphone will run the new social networking interface from Motorola known as MOTOBLUR. There is no confirmation on the exact price, release date (only first half of 2010) or if the name will be the Backflip, the Enzo or something else.
[Via SlashGear]

Dell has confirmed that their first smartphone sporting the free mobile OS from Google; the Mini 3, will be landing to AT&T. As you might remember, the Mini 3 Android handset was officially announced to go to China Mobile and Brazil’s Claro back in November.
AT&T had announced already their intentions to release 5 different Android-based devices on 1H 2010 with devices from Motorola, HTC and Dell. The Mini 3 will be Dell's offering in the wireless carrier network, but there's no word on the release date just yet.
Dell is not giving any information on the full specs of the Mini 3, but is only logical to assume that it will be similar to the Chinese Mini. What do you think folks, will you buy the Dell Mini 3 from AT&T? Or you don't like the handset or AT&T's service enough to jump ship?
Press Release:

DELL ANNOUNCES U.S. SMART PHONE DEAL WITH AT&T
· AT&T joins Dell’s growing list of leading smart phone carriers, including China Mobile and Claro Brazil
· Dell and AT&T collaborate on one of the first Android-based smart phones to run on AT&T and the nation’s fastest 3G network
· The Mini 3 smart phone reflects Dell’s continued focus on developing smart mobile products that answer the needs of today’s consumers
LAS VEGAS, JAN. 6, 2010 – Dell today announced that U.S.-based AT&T will become the next mobile operator to offer a smart phone from the Mini 3 Android-based lineup. Over the past two months, Dell has established smart phone arrangements with leading mobile operators including the world’s largest, China Mobile, Claro in Brazil, and now AT&T with the nation’s fastest 3G network.
Mini 3 smart phones create an easy-to-use mobile Internet experience. The Android-based platform gives the Mini 3 optimal power, flexibility and customization opportunities for both users and operators. Collaboration between Dell and AT&T combines the very best in performance and style. And, with AT&T’s largest Wi-Fi hotspot network, and fastest 3G network, Dell and AT&T will provide today’s social media mavens with the ability to simultaneously Tweet friends, post Facebook updates, share pictures and browse the Web.
Today’s announcement builds upon Dell’s mobile strategy of delivering communications solutions for wireless operators and their dedicated customers. Dell works with select operators around the world to make the most of their customers’ mobile experiences – on any network and using any application.
The arrangement with AT&T is part of Dell’s continued focus on developing smart mobile products and services through value-added relationships with leading operators. Dell has existing arrangements with other leading global telecom providers, including Vodafone in Europe, Australia and New Zealand; AT&T in the United States; M1 and Starhub in Singapore; Maxis in Malaysia; China Mobile in China; and Claro in Brazil – each creating more opportunities to meet the needs of the connected lifestyle.
Dell has contact with and listens to the requirements of millions of customers. In addition, a recent Dell-sponsored study of more than 1,500 people provides keen insight to what makes for the best smart phone and mobile experience. Study highlights include:
· Eighty-two percent of those who own smart phones said they would not leave home without them;
· Eighty-six percent of survey respondents under age 35 say that personalized software and features on smart phones are important;
· More than half say they wish there were more smart phone options available in the marketplace;
· Seventy-six percent say they would consider new smart phone devices from a well-known technology brand; and
· Nearly 90 percent say they would consider purchasing a smart phone from a highly regarded technology company as an alternative to leading smart phone manufacturers.
“Smart phones are an extension of Dell’s strategy to develop intelligent and more mobile products that meet the needs of operators and customers,” said Ron Garriques, president, Dell Communication Solutions. “The Mini 3 is a result of listening to customers and creating products that allow people to do the things they want, whenever and wherever they want to do them.”
“As the leader in smart phones, AT&T makes a great match with Dell to introduce the next Mini 3,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “We offer our customers what no one else can, the nation’s fastest 3G network, the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network and now, Dell’s first smart phone in the U.S.”
Details about Dell’s Mini 3 will be announced by AT&T closer to device availability expected during the first half of 2010.

Finally, the last of the major wireless carriers in the country, will be offering Android handsets to its subscribers. AT&T has confirmed at CES 2010 about their plans to release 5 Android phones on the first half of this year.
The wait is over for those who want their wireless service with AT&T, but want to use an Android handset. Or if you already have and want to stay on AT&T, but do not like other offerings, this year comes your chance to get an Android device.
According to AT&T, you will be able to choose between 5 different devices from Motorola, HTC and Dell. There are many of you out there who would live to get a Nexus One with AT&T 3G, but unfortunately, there's no word on which phone or phones from HTC will arrive to the carrier.
Full press release:

AT&T Launches Major Initiative to Bring 'Apps to All'
Company Also Plans to Launch Five Android-Based Devices in First Half of 2010
Las Vegas, Nevada, January 6, 2010
newsrelease
AT&T today announced plans to launch five new devices from Dell, HTC and Motorola based on the Android platform. The company also announced a major initiative to expand the universe of mobile applications beyond smartphones to more mobile phones – and spur future app development for emerging consumer electronics devices, its U-verse TV platform, and enterprise and small business workplaces.
At the 4th annual AT&T Developer Summit in Las Vegas, executives outlined details including:
* New devices that will give customers the most robust choices of major operating systems (OS), including Android™, in the U.S.
* A goal to offer all major smartphone OS app stores
* An agreement with Qualcomm to standardize apps development for mid-range Quick Messaging Devices using BREW Mobile Platform. These devices are used by millions of customers who historically have not had the same convenient access as smartphone customers to the market’s hottest apps
* A new AT&T SDK (software developer kit) to help developers immediately begin to develop apps for these devices
* A significantly enhanced developer program and new relationships with global carriers that are intended to make it easier for developers to distribute apps in markets outside the U.S.
* Future initiatives to enable developers to create more apps for AT&T’s U-verse TV, emerging consumer electronics devices, and businesses
* A new AT&T Virtual Innovation Lab and two new Innovation Centers, which will help developers and spur apps development
“Applications help consumers realize the full value and benefits of mobile broadband networks, services and devices,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Today some AT&T customers can take advantage of more than 100,000 apps – but only if they have the right handset. Our goal is to bring more apps to millions more of our customers who want convenient access to the market’s hottest apps. At the same time, in the future, we plan to go well beyond mobile devices to spur apps development.”
In addition to ultimately giving more customers more choices of applications, the long-term strategic initiatives announced today will make it easier for developers to cost effectively create applications and reach broader audiences, and help AT&T drive data revenues.
Extend Smartphone Leadership
AT&T will further its leadership in smartphones with the planned launch of five new devices from Dell, HTC and Motorola based on the Android platform. Those devices, which are scheduled to be available during the first half of 2010, include:
* A Motorola smartphone, powered by MOTOBLUR, with a unique form factor and an AT&T exclusive
* Dell’s first smartphone, based on the Android platform and an AT&T exclusive
* A HTC smartphone, based on the Android platform, and an AT&T exclusive
AT&T customers with these devices will benefit not only from the nation’s fastest 3G network but also the ability to simultaneously talk on the phone while surfing the Web or reading email. Customers can sign up for email notifications as more details are available at www.att.com/android.
In addition, AT&T announced its goal to lead the industry in application choices for smartphone customers by offering all major app stores. It will preload the corresponding store for each device -- giving customers convenient access to thousands of apps optimized for their smartphone. Today, AT&T added to existing agreements with Nokia for Ovi store and Microsoft for Windows Marketplace by announcing an agreement for Android Market. It expects to announce more app store agreements in the near future and will offer carrier billing as an easy and convenient payment option for as many stores as possible.
‘Apps for All’ by Standardizing Apps Development with Brew Mobile Platform
De la Vega also announced a significant new agreement with Qualcomm to standardize apps development by adopting BREW Mobile Platform. With this agreement, AT&T intends to make BREW Mobile Platform its primary operating system platform for Quick Messaging Devices, one of the company’s fastest growing categories of devices.
AT&T customers with these devices historically haven’t had the same convenient access as AT&T smartphone customers to thousands of compelling, new applications. Since AT&T launched its pioneering line-up of Quick Messaging Devices in fall 2008, about 30 percent of the company’s postpaid customers who are new or upgrading have purchased this type of device. AT&T is committed to spurring innovation and apps development for the millions of customers in this category.
Quick Messaging Devices are integrated devices that are value priced and texting centric; they have full QWERTY keyboards, either physical or virtual, and, since this past fall, full Web browsing capabilities. Customers with these devices are more likely to demand apps, subscribe to messaging and data plans, and are a large potential market for application developers, according to AT&T research.
AT&T Chief Marketing Officer David Christopher announced plans to begin rolling out Quick Messaging Devices with BREW Mobile Platform in the second half of the year, so that by year end 2011, about 90 percent of AT&T’s devices in this segment are planned to be based on BREW Mobile Platform. AT&T announced that Samsung will be its first device maker to launch a Quick Messaging Device featuring BREW Mobile Platform. HTC, LG and Pantech also are building devices featuring BREW Mobile Platform for planned availability in late 2010 or early 2011.
“Today, developers must essentially rebuild apps for different handsets and operating systems, increasing their costs, slowing the pace of innovation and stalling the delivery of mobile apps to customers,” Christopher said. “We want to tear down the barriers and make it much easier for developers to reach our customers – and for our customers to access apps. Moving to one platform for this fast growing segment of devices will help developers reach millions more customers who want easy access to the hottest mobile apps.”
To help developers jumpstart apps development for AT&T’s BREW Mobile Platform devices, Christopher announced a new AT&T SDK which features support for BREW Mobile Platform, continued support for Java and widgets, and includes tools to help developers tap into AT&T network capabilities as they design and code their applications. The new AT&T SDK is available starting today at sdk.developer.att.com.
Taking the AT&T Developer Program to the Next Level
AT&T has a longstanding commitment to the developer community. It was among the first major carriers to offer a developer program and has been rated the top carrier development program for the past three years by Evans Data. Today, AT&T executives also announced plans, including some launch schedules, for a series of new or enhanced developer resources including:
Technical support for developers via live chat -- something no other carrier, operating system provider or handset maker offers today – and a tripling of overall tech support by mid-2010.
* Revenue share featuring a standardized 70/30 split for third-party developers in the AT&T App Center.
* AT&T Sandbox, a virtual network environment for developers to test and evaluate applications, which is planned to be available in 2Q 2010.
* AT&T Developer Dashboard, a tool that will let developers track the status of their app once submitted to AT&T, support digital signing of business agreements with AT&T, allow developers to set prices for their apps, and provide performance metrics and customer satisfaction feedback. The dashboard is available now for enterprise application developers and the certification of emerging devices. And for AT&T’s consumer development community, the dashboard will also provide needed automation which is planned for the first quarter of 2010.
* New marketing and referral relationships announced today between AT&T and other global carriers using GSM, the de facto world standard for wireless technology. The companies intend to create streamlined processes that help developers make their applications available to their combined base of hundreds of millions of customers.
* AT&T Developer Council, an advisory group hosted by AT&T and made up of leading development and technology companies and other influencers, such as EA Games, Telenav and Bonfire Media.
AT&T also announced a trial program with WaveMarket to make network location information accessible through Veriplace, WaveMarket’s cloud location aggregation platform currently in use by more than 1,000 developers. Veriplace allows SMS, Web, WAP and IVR developers to develop location-aware apps and services across device categories and participating carriers. The trial program will launch in the coming weeks.
AT&T Chief Technology Officer John Donovan also said that a new AT&T Virtual Innovation Lab will open in Atlanta in the second quarter to provide developer support for speech, location and messaging APIs (application programming interfaces). In addition, two new Innovation Centers, one in the East and one in the West, are planned for late 2010 to provide 3G and 4G RF (radio frequency) development support, testing and demos.

Many of us assumed that Verizon was going to sell the Google Nexus One phone come Spring of this year, apparently not. After a quick look at the image below it seems like Verizon will sell the handset, but according to our good friend Chris over at sister site SlashGear, not directly.
After paying more attention, and not letting our emotions get the best of us, we can understand what the image says: "The Nexus One with Verizon Wireless service. Coming soon in the United States." Yup! It's clearer now, it will come with Verizon's service, but it doesn't mention that Big Red will be selling the Android 2.1 handset.
Below, you can read the statement given by Verizon:

When the Nexus One phone becomes available to run on the Verizon Wireless network, it will be offered BY Google, and not directly by Verizon Wireless. So: not in Verizon Wireless stores, not online, not through telesales or customer service. Pricing has not been set, and there is no date other than “soon.”

This gives us something to think about; maybe Verizon want to keep their support (especially their marketing budget) for the Motorola DROID, or they just don't want to deal with customer service expectations about the Nexus One. Others believe that this is a clear indication that this is the real Google Phone or Gphone as many call it, for example, they are pointing at this webpage for the Nexus One: http://www.google.com/googlephone/tour/. Notice what it says in the middle?

BillShrink got to work on the price calculations right after the Google Nexus One went official, and a few hours later, they came up with the results. Apparently, the Nexus One Android handset undercuts the other great Android phone; the DROID by Motorola as well as the iPhone 3GS, but not the Palm Pre.
With a price of $529 SIM-free and unlocked, and at $179 subsidized via T-Mobile USA, the Nexus One total cost of ownership compared with the iPhone vs. Droid vs. Palm Pre, is cheaper than the first 2 handsets, and only the Sprint Palm Pre comes cheaper. Ownership is based on a two year contract plan; the 16GB iPhone 3GS totals $3,799 on AT&T with an unlimited plan and $2,839 for an "average plan".
Those are the same prices for the Motorola DROID on Verizon; $3,799 for the unlimited plan and $2,839 for the average plan, that's higher than T-Mobile’s pricing of; $2,579 unlimited and $2,339 average. The Palm Pre on Sprint is $2,549 for the unlimited plan, and $2,309 for the average plan. We are well aware that prices alone do not make a device better than others, but it sure helps on this crazy economy. Go on and click on the graphic below to see it full-sized.

Apparently, the Google Nexus One Phone will keep on getting more attention today; Adrian Ludwig from Adobe has demoed an early version of Flash Player 10.1 on the new Android 2.1 handset. Ludwig said the Nexus One will get Flash 10.1 via the web, as soon as it becomes available.
Flash Player 10.1 is currently in beta, but the Nexus One "Superphone" is already on the list of the first devices that will sport Flash 10.1. One of those first devices will be the Palm Pre, according to the same Adrian Ludwig on a video back on October 2009.
The video below demonstrates the Flash beta preview on several sites with various Flash elements, such advertisements and video. Adrian even played a game named "Alien Attack" on the browser of the Nexus One from MiniClip.com. What do you think folks, would you like to get flash on your new N1?
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlWOocHwcLo&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Well, apparently nobody can't get enough of the "Google Phone", as many are still calling it, but hey, can you blame them, I know we can't either. The Google Nexus One has been the greatest news lately, especially yesterday. Our adventurous leader has now an Android 2.1 handset to play with, and that he did; he's done also an unboxing video of the Nexus One.
Vincent is impress at how slim (at 11.5mm) the Nexus One is, but with a big 3.7-inch AMOLED display, the handset is reasonably long and broad (at 119mm and 59.8mm respectively). He's not very convinced by the choice of colors (I have to agree with him), but likes the pleasantly responsive glass capacitive touchscreen and said the plastics feel of reasonable quality. Using the phone with just one hand a la Palm Pre seems a little tricky, since the row of four capacitive buttons and the trackball are quite low, there’s also no dedicated camera shortcut.
In comparison with the HTC HD2, the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor on the Nexus One is fast and slick. This, of course, minimizes some usual Android lag-points, like opening the apps menu, which is now different in Android 2.1 than that on 2.0.1, it now overlays the icons over the homescreen, instead of pulling up an app-drawer. Still, Vincent feels that pitting the Nexus One vs the Motorola DROID will show how much difference there really is. I'm all for that, like many of you must be too, especially now that we know the Nexus One will arrive in a couple of months to Verizon. Switching between apps using thumbnail cards webOS-style is also a nice addition, and the camera software feels more responsive than the DROID's, and even though the on-screen photo quality of the "N1" looks decent, some testing is required to find out if it is actually better.
Below, you can read more on Vincent's thoughts on the Google Nexus One, also, watch the unboxing video of this wonderful device:

Despite the HTC connection, there’s none of that company’s clever Android modification: this is stock Android 2.1. Google have increased the number of homescreen panes from three to five (still short of HTC Sense’s seven) but HTC’s clever on-screen keyboard with its reasonably accurate auto-prediction and correction is absent. The lack of multitouch may prove frustrating too; we’ve found ourselves making a few mistakes from trying to type too fast. The DROID’s hardware keyboard isn’t perfect either, so it’ll be interesting to see which we’re faster with.

Well, not everything today has to do with the Google Nexus One, there is another important and great Android handset out there; the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10. There are a lot of you that would love to get this Android phone made by Sony, guess what, you might get lucky.
Rogers Wireless has announced that they will be the exclusive Xperia X10 Canadian carrier. This also means they will be the first in North America to get this nice-looking Android smartphone. According to Andrea Gaal, General Manager of Sony Ericsson Canada: "This handset makes communications more fun and more playful while multiplying and enriching opportunities to connect.”
Below is the Press release so you can get more info on this great Sony device running on Google's free mobile OS:

• The Xperia™ X10 introduces an open and integrated world of social media, communication and entertainment
• New UX (user experience) platform lets consumers organize everything and discover more with one of the most open, human and intuitive user experiences yet
• Rogers Wireless becomes exclusive Xperia ™ X10 Canadian carrier and first in North America ; extends leadership in Android device lineup
Toronto , January 5, 2010 – Canadians will be among the first in the world to experience open and integrated social media, communication and entertainment with the launch of the Sony Ericsson Xperia ™ X10 phone, which will make its North American debut first in Canada , exclusively from Rogers . The Xperia ™ X10 is expected to be available in the second quarter 2010.
“At Rogers , we have built our legacy on innovation, bringing the most exciting and exclusive handsets first to customers in Canada ,” said John Boynton , Executive Vice President, Marketing, Rogers Communications. “We are thrilled to be the exclusive Canadian carrier to offer this phenomenal mobile entertainment device.”
“Building on our entertainment heritage, the Xperia ™ X10 underpins our commitment to an open and multi-platform strategy that maximizes choice for the consumer and delivers the best possible entertainment experience,” said Andrea Gaal, General Manager, Sony Ericsson Canada . “This handset makes communications more fun and more playful while multiplying and enriching opportunities to connect.”
Introducing signature applications like Sony Ericsson Mediascape and Timescape™, the Xperia™ X10 lets consumers organize everything in their phone and in an intuitive way:
• The Sony Ericsson Timescape™ application manages all your communication with one person in one place. Browse through your conversations and check out your Facebook™, Twitter™ and MySpace™ accounts 1 , photos, emails 1 , and texts 1 all in one seamless, easy to use interface
• Sony Ericsson Mediascape application is the smart way to get all the music, photos and videos you want from your favourite friends and artists. It accesses this content from just about everywhere – your phone or YouTube™ and Facebook™ services 1 and presents everything for you in an integrated way
Intelligence capabilities, integrated into Sony Ericsson Mediascape and Timescape™ applications, automatically recognizes connections between contacts, content and media. By recommending alternative ways to communicate or guiding to new media experiences, consumers can discover more in a truly open way. For example:
• Pressing the new “infinite button” guides you through the connected world, aggregating all your interactions with one person into one view
• Intelligent face recognition features recognize up to five faces in any picture, automatically connecting them with your social phonebook and all other related communications with that person. The X10 also features an 8.1 megapixel camera including 16X digital zoom.
The UX platform builds on top of the Open OS (Android) and creates a unique Sony Ericsson user experience by combining best-in-class entertainment features with signature applications, unrivalled integration of social media services and a rich graphical user interface. The Xperia™ X10 phone is the first mobile phone to truly humanize the way people interact with their phones.
Sony Ericsson's open approach gives consumers maximum choice. Xperia X10 users can download any application they want directly from Android Market, creating an experience that is entirely unique to them.

Apparently, today is Google Nexus One day, the news keep on coming about this already famous Android handset. Vincent is probably already playing with his own Nexus One by now, so expect a hands on from the man himself very soon. As we already know, the Nexus One sells through Google and T-Mobile, and it will also be sold by Verizon and Vodafone.
The Google Nexus One got an official announcement today, and it also begins to ship today on T-Mobile and unlocked, but it only works on EDGE with AT&T. Google will also ship the unlocked Nexus One to the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong, with other countries (and localized versions) promised soon. According to HTC’s Peter Chou, called the Nexus One a "Superphone", when he was asked if this was an iPhone killer. Google's Andy Rubin said there's support for WiFi on the new handset, and tethering will be supported sometime in the future. There's also a promise for future Android phones with 4G available through the Google web store.
Google didn't want to comment about other potential products being sold through Google, but for those who are wondering, “electric cars” are not on the list. They are also “considering” on adding multitouch support in future to the Nexus One. They also said: "Some of the subsequent phones will be dual-mode for global roaming between CDMA/GSM/HSPA". But don't expect a Nexus One on Verizon with those capabilities. When asked about Nexus One eating DROID sales, Dr. Sanjay Jha from Motorola said: "Both are great phones; Peter and I compete in the marketplace to build the best product we can. We’ll update DROID to latest Android version, and we’ll bring something out after the Nexus One to keep competing." So as you can see, we can expect another great phone from Motorola.
So far, several AC forum members have ordered the Nexus One, if you did too, you can joined the others here. One of our forum members; "TheOneGnat", reports that he ordered his Nexus One engraved (check image above for an example), and one of our UK readers; "Hands0n", also ordered his very own Nexus One today:

I've gone and ordered mine - SIM-free for $578.64 (£358.27 at today's closing rate), ships to the UK with a "Country specific AC adapter". Google are shipping to four markets initially, US, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong. The package is sent via DHL.
The warranty for UK users is the standard 2-year job as mandated by the EU (although if there is a fundamental defect it is actually 6 years).

We have 3 videos for your viewing pleasure, the first; Google Earth on the Nexus One has some problem with the audio, but you can still understand most of what's been said. Enjoy, and let us know your thoughts on the comments area.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc4NqRxUssE&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9uzHjru4xw&feature=channel[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2obVuO-YPQ&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]